Beathard: Not everyone stays in Neverland

I experienced something this week that I’ve been lucky not to have had to go through in a couple of years.

I had to say goodbye to two very dear friends. One was a coworker, whose sage advice, humor and support in both personal and professional matters will be sorely missed. Another is a girlfriend who became close far too late in the game but quickly became a trusted confidante.

I’ve certainly experienced the transient nature of this valley before. Sometimes people love living here, but finances, distance from family or other reasons make it difficult for them to stay. This time, though, my friends are excitedly moving on to places where they’ll be very happy — which is wonderful to see.

I feel like I’m entering another phase of transition. I don’t know whether it’s because of Aspen or just timing. Friends are moving, others are changing jobs, and I have more weddings to go to this year than I have since I graduated college.

It’s a little unsettling, all this change; but it’s also exciting. And so as much as it pains me, I celebrate my friends’ successes and hope they’ll do the same for me when it’s my turn.

Jill Beathard wonders when life started going by so fast. Email her at jill@snowmasssun.com.